The Beer Nut: Bring on the mixed 12-packs

I like to drink beer, but I rarely like to drink 12, or even, six of any particular beer within a week or two.

Twelve packs are great bargains, but I don't want a 12 of any one beer. That's why I love mixed 12-packs.

Mixed 12-packs are perfect for craft beer lovers. It's a great idea for breweries. A lot of craft beer drinkers like to load up on singles and personal mixed six packs. This satisfies the beer fan's want of trying various beers, and satisfies the breweries need to sell their beers. lBrewersDozenBox

Mixed 12-packs typically have four or six different beers in them. I prefer a mix pack with four different beers so there are three bottles of each beer, so if you really enjoy it you get a few chances at a beer. The ones with six different beers are fun, but sometimes two beers not enough.

I like the mixed packs that constantly change it up, instead of having the same beers in it, or just changing the seasonal. Samuel Adams and Saranac are both good at adding new beers, although I'd argue sometimes Samuel Adams changes it too much. One year I'll love a particular beer in the 12-pack, and the following year, it's gone.

My current favorite mixed 12 is the new Boulevard sampler. It includes the 80-Acre Wheat and the Unfiltered Wheat. Each pack will also include two beers from their tasting room, exclusive to the 12-pack, which is a great idea.

Anchor Brewing Company has recently added a mixed 12, which I'm looking forward to trying, as has Baxter Brewing Company.

Now that Jack's Abby Brewing has switched to 12-ounce bottles, I'd love to see them add a mixed 12-pack. It would also be great to see the Box of Bastards from Stone Brewing Company, or maybe a mixed 12 of the Dogfish Head ancient ales. These are packs I'd buy.

Email Norman Miller at nmiller@wickedlocal.com or call 508-626-3823. Check out the Beer Nut blog at blogs.wickedlocal.com/beernut. Follow him on Twitter at @realbeernut. Also check out "Norman Miller, The Beer Nut" on Facebook.